Mompreneur Monday- Betsy Johnson

Mom Creates Stylish and Award-Winning Baby Must Have Sun Protective Swimwear

Featured Monday Mom’Preneur:  Betsy Johnson

Skin Cancer survivor. Daughter. Sister. Aunt. Wife. Mom. Friend. Designer. Creator. Mompreneur. These are all words that can explain a little of Betsy’s life.

Betsy’s skin cancer diagnosis hit her like a ton of bricks.  I was just 26 years old and living a very healthy life.  Cancer at that point was absolutely unimaginable.  And, yet, it was all to true.  I cried and cried and cried.  Kleenex made a small fortune off me during that time!

But the truth was, while all Betsy had to show from the cancer was a large scar on her back, she was not the same woman that she was before the cancer.  The corporate world had lost its luster and she realized that she actually had been presented with an opportunity to do something meaningful with her life.  She enjoyed working in the corporate world, but here was a chance to help others avoid her fate – and maybe even save lives.  With the conviction that comes from knowing without a doubt that you are doing something right, she dove headfirst into the world of UPF sun protective clothing … and thus was born SwimZip. http://www.SwimZip.com  

Parents love SwimZip and even celebrity parents too.  SwimZip, like all of the SwimZips today, are chlorine-resistant swim shirt with UV 50+ protection and a full-length zipper that made taking it on and off easy for all involved.  The zippers have a protective flap so as not to catch the skin and the seams are flat-stitched so there is no chaffing.

 

Betsy’s “a-ha” moment came while sitting on the beach and her brother started complaining about how his daughter, Maryella, hated taking on and off her swim shirt just as much as she hated having sunscreen applied to her body.  My brother would not let Maryella go play in the sun without sun protection, though.  Her blond hair, blue eyes, and fair skin make the perfect combination for sun burns.  It was from this problem that SwimZip was born.  With a pair of scissors I cut Maryella’s swim shirt down the front and fastened it back together with safety pins.  All of a sudden, the shirt was a breeze to take on and off.  I thought I might be on to something.

"A zipper in place of the safety pins was an obvious change, but still I had so many questions going through my mind. How would I manufacture these?  What type of design would I like?  How would I promote this new product?  How would I fund the project and take it to market?  Why would parents and kids like my product enough to buy it? I was burning the candle from both ends with my corporate job and SwimZip, and I loved it!"

Betsy’s passion is to keep kids sun safe and adults now too.  SwimZip will be creating into adult sizes this summer.  Parents lead by example, so parents zipping on their UV 50+ sun protective swimwear is key – and SwimZip will have stylish adult size SwimZips that can be worn all summer long and even while walking in the sun! 

 

A Little More About The Johnson Family:

Betsy -- Proud Mommy, fun Wife and Friend of many
Matt – Daddy-o, attentive father except during March Madness, NFL, and College Football Season (especially KU Basketball and Kansas Football)
Baby A, 9 Months – An adventurous one, knows what he wants and how to get it, confident, creative, loves to read, and knows how to make his mommy smile

 

SwimZIp is sold in various stores and online at http://www.swimzip.com/shop%20link.htm and is available in 12 different styles!

SwimZip also sells wholesale to stores!  If you’re interest in wholesale kids swimsuits please let us know!   http://www.swimzip.com/wholesale.htm

 

Join our mailing list to get special deals on SwimZips!

Safety Saturday- Travel Tot's Childproofing Kit

Do you have young kids?  Have you ever traveled with them?  Maybe to Grandma's, maybe a hotel, maybe Christmas at Uncle Tom's?  If you have ever taken your young toddler to someone else's house, you know how stressful it can be.  Well, there may be a solution.

Travel-Tot's Travel Childproofing Kit is an affordable, temporary, non-damaging solution for childproofing hotel rooms, motel rooms, even grandma’s house!  Kit components offer a layer of protection as well as peace of mind for travelling families!  You can view the Kit at  www.travel-tot.com/.

 

 

The Travel-Tot Childproofing Kit; keeping your family “safe as home wherever you roam!"

Retail is $34.95  

 

And our friends over at Travel-Tot are offering a promo code for 20% off...just enter code TRAVELERS.

And be sure to stop by their facebook page and say hi.


 

 

Momprenuer Monday- Alma Moussa

 

 

Daughter. Latch Key Kid. Sister. Wife. Mom of two. Friend. Inventor. Mompreneur. In a nutshell that’s Alma Moussa, a California mom of two who invented an award-winning, multipurpose baby blanket and cover that is actually SIX baby items in ONE.  The idea came to Alma one day while on a playdate when she experienced a parenting problem with no good solution (perfect “ingredients” for a mom to become a mom’preneur).  The trendy Babee Covee saves parents time, money and space by eliminating the need to buy, pack and carry bulky (and costly) single use items every time your leave home with your little one. No more overflowing diapers bags!  Plus, it protects baby and toddler from germs where ever you go!

 

Voted as a top five travel must have for kids by Baby&Child Magazine and a top 10 baby shower gift by Bump to Baby, Alma’s invention has six uses:

 

 

 Car Seat Cover

Nursing Cover

Shopping Cart Cover

High Chair Cover

Stroller Cover

Playtime Blanket

 

 

 

Growing up Alma never dreamed of having her own business. After nearly 10 years in the management consulting software business, Alma was abruptly cut short by a layoff which gave her the inspiration to reinvent herself. Now as a mom what was next?

 

Alma’s “a-ha” moment came one rainy day during a playdate…  and this little guy is the inspiration behind Babee Covee. As the rain poured down, Alma carried her two year old in one arm and her infant's car seat carrier in the other. A gust of wind came and blew off the blanket she had draped over the car seat carrier to keep her son dry. As the rain pelted down on her toddler, baby and herself, frustrated she left the blanket on the ground and ran for her friend's front door. Alma thought, “Wouldn’t it be great to have a blanket that would never blow off the car seat?” After some brainstorming she thought of FIVE other uses and that rainy day her playdate turned into a business venture. Today, what she now has is the tested, retested several times and then perfected 6-in-1 Babee Covee.

 

 

Alma’s passion is to make unique baby products that simplify parents' lives by providing multi-use solutions without compromising design or breaking the bank.

 

 

Babee Covee’s first full year in business was last year (2012) and it was a busy year for the California mom with multiple "new and hot product" media mentions, over 20 positive mommy blogger reviews including Actress Kate Clarke's, Good Morning America and WABC TV features, sold out inventory at every local trade show, chosen as a top 10 baby shower gift by Bump to Baby Gear as well as a top five must have for traveling with baby by Baby&Child Magazine; and winners of five awards: the Mom's Choice and Next Big Zing Awards as well as the Mompact Award, exemplifying all-around excellence in both product and mom inventor, the coveted Seal of Approval from the Family Review Center, and the prestigious Huggies MomInspired Grant Award. Alma looks forward to many more busy years to come as the Babee Covee becomes a favorite baby gear item for more and more parents here in the USA and now around the world after a recent feature in Singapore’s Today’s Parents Magazine.

A Little More About The Moussa Family:

Alma -- Proud Mommy of two, Wife of one, and Friend of many
George -- Father Fix-It, strong and silent, attentive Daddy except on NFL Sundays
Gemma, 5 -- Big Sister, old soul, confident and creative, ready to sing and sketch
at whim
Joey, 3 -- Little Brother, animated and active, ready to steal your heart with his eyes

 

Babee Covee is sold in various stores and online at www.babeecovee.com and is available in nine different styles: 

 

 

 

Like Babee Covee on Facebook to receive $5 OFF and to enter monthly giveaways.

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Safety Saturday

Are you pregnant?  Do you have a baby in the house?  Here are some tips from safekids.org on childproofing your home.  Every year thousands of injuries could be prevented just by taking a few simple steps.



Childproofing Your Home

Young children are curious, which is just the way we like them. But they don’t always understand what is dangerous. Once your little one becomes mobile and begins to cruise around, childproofing becomes even more important. Young children are also at risk of choking, poisoning, burns, falls and furniture tip-overs. The good news is these injuries are preventable, and by following a few simple tips for childproofing your house, your kids will be safe to play, explore and have fun.

The Hard Facts

Every year, there are more than 3 million unintentional injuries to children 14 and under that happen in the home and require care in an emergency room.

Top tips For babies, provide a safe sleep environment by having babies sleep alone in their own sleeping area without blankets, bumpers or pillows. Parents can share the same room but not the same bed. Here are a few more tips on creating a safe sleep environment. Supervision is the most important safety precaution you can take. Give young children your full attention when you’re together. We also understand that parents can’t watch their children every second of every day. So take the time to create a safer home for your child by looking for potential hazards and taking steps to remove them. There are plenty of low-cost safety devices that can help keep your kids safe at home. Outlet plugs, cabinet and drawer locks, window stops, window guards, furniture straps and brackets, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide (CO) detectors and stair gates are a few that will help you get started.

Easter Special

Easter is just around the corner.  The Parking Pal makes a GREAT addition to an Easter basket. We have an Easter Special for you!  Happing Shopping:)  Good for all Parking Pals and Penalty Pals!

*code good through 4/1/13

Safety Saturday

So, Spring is officially here, the weather is getting warmer (not in Northern Michigan) and the kids will be playing outside more.  As parents we hate to even think about our child ever being abducted, but unfortunatly it does happen.  2000 children per day are reported missing (I know many of them are run-aways....but not all). 

I just happened to come across this website today and wanted to share it for our Safety Saturday. You can order FREE Child Safe Kits by clicking here.  I just ordered one for each of my kids! Take a few minutes to order one for your kids or grandkids!  And then take some time to read a few great tips below from Child Safe Kit website.

While our kids and grandkids are learning to read and write, it's just as important
to teach them how to be safe. Start with these simple tips to begin building the foundation of safety awareness with your child or grandchild.

 

1. Approach the subject of safety in a non-threatening way, so that your child is not fearful of dangerous people or situations, but cautious and aware.
2. Open communication is the key. Encourage your child to trust their intuition and to be able to tell you when something is wrong.
3. Make sure your child knows his or her full name, address and phone number, where you work and how you can be contacted. Teach them how to dial 911 and use a cell phone in an emergency situation.
4. Inform your child of the rules pertaining to strangers. Let your child know that adults should not ask children for help nor can they threaten them. They should never approach an unknown car or go anywhere with an adult they do not know.
5. Never label clothing, backpacks or personal items with your child's name. A stranger can use this information.
6. Put a system in place on what to do if you and your child are separated in a public place.
7. Know where your child is at all times and remember to update your child's records every 6-12 months.

 

 

 

MOMPRENEUR MONDAY

The mom I'm featuring today in Mompreneur Monday is a fabulous business woman who owns Kiddo Tags....the best tags/labels for your child on the market!  Her name is Gabby.  Go check out her website  where you can shop for tons of different labels.  Kiddo Tags has been around for a long time and have a huge customer base.  They are stylish and durable!  No more worries about losing you child's belongings!!

Safety Saturday

Check this out...I found it Amazing.  Young children that have learned how to survive if they fall into a pool.  There are classes to teach  this technique.  Watch the video below:

 

So what do you think.  Would you ever send your child to a class like this?  Do you know anyone who has done this? Let us know what you think by commenting below or on our facebook page.

Check back on Saturdays for more safety tips!

Mompreneur Monday

About 6 years ago I jumped into the world of being a mom-inventor.  Never did I think it would be this difficult!!  The feedback we received about the Parking Pal from the start was very encouraging and we new we had a great product!  I could go on and on about the difficulties of getting a product to market, but I won't.  What I have discovered over the years are hundreds of other mom inventors...with some awesome products.  I want to support other mompreneurs and highlight a new mom on Mondays.  My posts will be brief (mainly because I am a terrible writer).  I will include links to the featured moms website and facebook page.    Our first Mompreneur is Barbara Schantz.  Barbara is the inventor of the Baby Dipper Bowl.  She is also the mom of two sets of twins.  I have personally met Barbara and think she is great.  Her Baby Dipper Bowls are very unique and perfect for infants taking baby food and toddlers who are learning to feed themselves.   You can stop by her facebook page and say hi!

Safety Saturday- Fall Prevention for Little Kids

Safety is always a concern for parents.  It seems that no matter what the age of our children, we are always concerned about keeping them safe.  Of course, that is why I developed the Parking Pal Magnet.

I'm going to start publishing safety tips every week in a SAFETY SATURDAY feature.  I will search the web and share some tips that I find.  Please email me at info@parkingpalmagnet.com if there is a topic you want to see covered.

This week I have tips for fall prevention from the website www.safekids.org.

Furniture:

• Do not place toys or items on top of  furniture that attract children 
• Place furniture away from windows
• Secure furniture to the wall

Stairs:

• Use safety gates at the top and bottom of staircases
• Hold onto toddlers while climbing up and down the stairs
• Keep the stairs clear of toys and other objects

Windows: 

• Install safety guards on windows.  Don't rely on screens to keep children in.  
• Keep windows locked when they are closed.

What safety tips do you have when it comes to preventing falls?

Young children are still developing mobility and coordination and can be prone to injuries caused by falls. Head injuries are associated with most deaths and severe injuries resulting from falls. Make sure the area around little kids is safe to toddle, tippy toe and topple. Always actively supervise your little kid as he explores around the home.

Top Tips Furniture: Do not place toys or items that attract children on top of furniture. Place furniture away from windows, and secure it to the wall with anchor straps. Stairs: Install safety gates at the top and the bottom of staircases. Actively supervise toddlers on stairs. Hold their hands when climbing up and down stairs. Make sure stairs are clear of toys and other objects. Windows: Install safety guards on windows. Screens are mean to keep bugs out, not children in. Keep windows locked when they’re closed.

Safety Tools

There are many tools that parents can use to help to keep their toddlers safe from injuries. Many of them are affordable and can be found at many stores.
- See more at: http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/little-kids/at-home/falls-prevention.html#sthash.8YMA6eMa.dpuf

Young children are still developing mobility and coordination and can be prone to injuries caused by falls. Head injuries are associated with most deaths and severe injuries resulting from falls. Make sure the area around little kids is safe to toddle, tippy toe and topple. Always actively supervise your little kid as he explores around the home.

Top Tips Furniture: Do not place toys or items that attract children on top of furniture. Place furniture away from windows, and secure it to the wall with anchor straps. Stairs: Install safety gates at the top and the bottom of staircases. Actively supervise toddlers on stairs. Hold their hands when climbing up and down stairs. Make sure stairs are clear of toys and other objects. Windows: Install safety guards on windows. Screens are mean to keep bugs out, not children in. Keep windows locked when they’re closed.

Safety Tools

There are many tools that parents can use to help to keep their toddlers safe from injuries. Many of them are affordable and can be found at many stores.
- See more at: http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/little-kids/at-home/falls-prevention.html#sthash.8YMA6eMa.dpuf

Furniture:

Furniture:

• Do not place toys or items that attract children on top of furniture.

• Place furniture away from windows, and secure it to the wall with anchor straps.

Stairs:

• Install safety gates at the top and the bottom of staircases.

• Actively supervise toddlers on stairs. Hold their hands when climbing up and down stairs.

• Make sure stairs are clear of toys and other objects.

Windows:

• Install safety guards on windows. Screens are mean to keep bugs out, not children in.

• Keep windows locked when they’re closed.

- See more at: http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/little-kids/at-home/falls-prevention.html#sthash.vvT9a3X2.dpuf

Furniture:

• Do not place toys or items that attract children on top of furniture.

• Place furniture away from windows, and secure it to the wall with anchor straps.

Stairs:

• Install safety gates at the top and the bottom of staircases.

• Actively supervise toddlers on stairs. Hold their hands when climbing up and down stairs.

• Make sure stairs are clear of toys and other objects.

Windows:

• Install safety guards on windows. Screens are mean to keep bugs out, not children in.

• Keep windows locked when they’re closed.

- See more at: http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/little-kids/at-home/falls-prevention.html#sthash.vvT9a3X2.dpuf

Furniture:

• Do not place toys or items that attract children on top of furniture.

• Place furniture away from windows, and secure it to the wall with anchor straps.

Stairs:

• Install safety gates at the top and the bottom of staircases.

• Actively supervise toddlers on stairs. Hold their hands when climbing up and down stairs.

• Make sure stairs are clear of toys and other objects.

Windows:

• Install safety guards on windows. Screens are mean to keep bugs out, not children in.

• Keep windows locked when they’re closed.

- See more at: http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/little-kids/at-home/falls-prevention.html#sthash.vvT9a3X2.dpufvv

Furniture:

• Do not place toys or items that attract children on top of furniture.

• Place furniture away from windows, and secure it to the wall with anchor straps.

Stairs:

• Install safety gates at the top and the bottom of staircases.

• Actively supervise toddlers on stairs. Hold their hands when climbing up and down stairs.

• Make sure stairs are clear of toys and other objects.

Windows:

• Install safety guards on windows. Screens are mean to keep bugs out, not children in.

• Keep windows locked when they’re closed.

- See more at: http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/little-kids/at-home/falls-prevention.html#sthash.vvT9a3X2.dpuf

Furniture:

• Do not place toys or items that attract children on top of furniture.

• Place furniture away from windows, and secure it to the wall with anchor straps.

Stairs:

• Install safety gates at the top and the bottom of staircases.

• Actively supervise toddlers on stairs. Hold their hands when climbing up and down stairs.

• Make sure stairs are clear of toys and other objects.

Windows:

• Install safety guards on windows. Screens are mean to keep bugs out, not children in.

• Keep windows locked when they’re closed.

- See more at: http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/little-kids/at-home/falls-prevention.html#sthash.vvT9a3X2.dpuf

Furniture:

• Do not place toys or items that attract children on top of furniture.

• Place furniture away from windows, and secure it to the wall with anchor straps.

Stairs:

• Install safety gates at the top and the bottom of staircases.

• Actively supervise toddlers on stairs. Hold their hands when climbing up and down stairs.

• Make sure stairs are clear of toys and other objects.

Windows:

• Install safety guards on windows. Screens are mean to keep bugs out, not children in.

• Keep windows locked when they’re closed.

- See more at: http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/little-kids/at-home/falls-prevention.html#sthash.vvT9a3X2.dpuf

Furniture:

• Do not place toys or items that attract children on top of furniture.

• Place furniture away from windows, and secure it to the wall with anchor straps.

Stairs:

• Install safety gates at the top and the bottom of staircases.

• Actively supervise toddlers on stairs. Hold their hands when climbing up and down stairs.

• Make sure stairs are clear of toys and other objects.

Windows:

• Install safety guards on windows. Screens are mean to keep bugs out, not children in.

• Keep windows locked when they’re closed.

- See more at: http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/little-kids/at-home/falls-prevention.html#sthash.vvT9a3X2.dpuf

Emergency Phone List

We are excited to announce another product we are adding to our line.  It is an Emergency Phone List that is re-usable and can be placed on any hard surface such as a wall, fridge, or cupboard.  Below is a picture-

You can write on it with permanent marker and then use 91% alcohol to erase it if you make a mistake or need to change a number.  Or you can use dry erase marker, which can be easily rubbed off. 

We have two different color options, which are shown below:

 

These Emergency Phone Lists will be available within the next few weeks on our website and through www.momsflourish.com/denise

Watch This Video

After several years of trying, we finally have a video!!  Woohoo...we are really excited. It is only 1 minute long, so please take a minute of your day and watch our new Parking Pal Magnet video:)  We would love to hear what you think!!